Brexit and British Trade Policy

ByJed Odermatt

This chapter focuses on the legal and practical issues that arise from the United Kingdom (UK) gaining autonomy over its trade policy. It discusses the fate of existing trade agreements upon the UK's withdrawal from European Union (EU). The chapter also discusses whether the UK will continue to be bound by EU agreements after Brexit and how the UK may seek to ensure stability and certainty during a period of transition. It explores the issues that arise regarding the UK's membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The chapter then discusses the UK's trade with the rest of the world. Although the UK wants "frictionless" trade with the EU post-Brexit, this will be difficult to reconcile with the UK's desire to leave the Customs Union and pursue a fully independent trade policy. The type of trade agreements the UK will negotiate with non-EU states, for instance, will depend on the type of agreement concluded between the EU and the UK.